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Still just 20 years old, Cody Ceci has looked every bit the veteran during this week's Ottawa Senators development camp.

The Ottawa native stands out amongst the other prospects in camp, not only because of his hockey skills but the way he carries himself on the ice. His 50 games of NHL experience -- after getting called up last season and winning a regular spot on the blueline -- make the Ottawa native the most experienced in camp.

It's probably not really fair to call him a prospect. Ceci proved last year he could play in the NHL -- you have to think the roster spot is his to lose.

But the defenceman isn't taking anything for granted. He knows he need to show his initial successful audition in Ottawa wasn't a fluke.

"Just looking at the contracts, there's a lot of D on one-ways (contracts) so I do have a bit to prove," Ceci said following an on-ice workout at the Bell Sensplex Friday.

Still, he acknowledges it's easier this year, his third prospects camp, to focus on just his game and not be distracted by the excitement of just being there.

"I feel a bit more comfortable every year," he said. "I just have to go out and show that I've been to a few (camps) and that I've made the jump and that I'm continuing to improve."

As an Ottawa boy, Ceci deservedly became a fan favourite in the second half of last season and didn't hurt his cause by scoring his first goal in overtime against St. Louis. A picture of a Ceci as a kid standing on the ice next to former Senator Mike Fisher continues to pop up and everyone ate up the story that Ceci's room at his parents' home was still decorated in Sens swag.

It would be understandable if Ceci wanted to get past the regular reminders of how young he is, but instead he seems genuinely appreciative and proud of being the hometown kid without necessarily feeling a bunch of extra pressure.

"The support was great this past season, just having family and friends here," Ceci said. "Being from Ottawa helped me just relax a bit and stay comfortable (here) and do the best I can."

The Senators rewarded Ceci's play last year by telling him to get his own place, which he has since done. His own home isn't decorated with Senators memorabilia, his childhood room remains a shrine to the team he loved growing up.

"My room still has a Sens rug and Sens jumbotron light, but I didn't bring that over when I got my own place," Ceci said.

Ceci stands out among Ottawa Senators 'prospects'

Still just 20 years old, Cody Ceci has looked every bit the veteran during this week's Ottawa Senators development camp.

The Ottawa native stands out amongst the other prospects in camp, not only because of his hockey skills but the way he carries himself on the ice. His 50 games of NHL experience -- after getting called up last season and winning a regular spot on the blueline -- make the Ottawa native the most experienced in camp.

It's probably not really fair to call him a prospect. Ceci proved last year he could play in the NHL -- you have to think the roster spot is his to lose.

But the defenceman isn't taking anything for granted. He knows he need to show his initial successful audition in Ottawa wasn't a fluke.

"Just looking at the contracts, there's a lot of D on one-ways (contracts) so I do have a bit to prove," Ceci said following an on-ice workout at the Bell Sensplex Friday.